Price: $165 each
Bag Exterior Color: Black
Bag Interior Color: White
Weight: 780g
Capacity: 22L
Waterproof: Yes
Carrying Load: 4.5kg off-road, 9kg road
Dimensions: 440mm H x 320mm W x 220mm D
Air Valve: Yes
Can Carry a Laptop: Yes, in an optional laptop holster
Fits 3rd-Party Racks: Yes (most racks). Note that the lower hook is not adjustable
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company samples
RBR Advertiser: No
The Perfect Pannier to Take You from Commuting to Grave Adventure
I’ve been a huge fan of Tailfin gear since I discovered the brand at Sea Otter Classic 2025. The company makes affordable, high-quality, durable, and functional racks and bags for bikepacking, touring, racing, and commuting. Each item is well-engineered, guaranteed to give you years of service, no matter what the adventure.
During previous bikepacking trips, I used Tailfin’s 16L and 22L pannier bags. I used the smaller panniers for a three-day Elroy-Sparta trip, while opting for the larger 22L bag for a longer KATY Trail adventure.
At the end of February, Tailfin launched a new version of its 22L pannier, improving on an already quality bag. The company made some significant structural upgrades, making it stronger and now ready to take on off-road adventures. The new internal frame provides increased rigidity and load stability, both important features for off-road use. The new frame is a hybrid construction, using a rigid, strong aluminum inner frame with a ‘rim’ of HDPE material that provides flexibility to prevent damage.
The company also updated the clamp mechanism from its first-generation X-Clamp to its latest version. This version ensures greater strength and security under sustained vibration and impact. It is also more ergonomically designed. I had trouble closing the X-Clamp on the previous version. Now, it’s much easier to open and close the X-Clamp.
The panniers come flat and require some assembly to attach the X-Clamp and bottom hook. It was a little challenging to align the holes in the fabric and frame to screw in the X-Clamp and hook.
Another comment I had after testing the previous version was that a black interior fabric made it difficult to find items, especially at night. I was excited to see that they changed the interior fabric to white. Now there’s improved visibility for finding items at the bottom of the bag, but I wonder whether, over time, a better choice would be neon yellow or green.
Optional Items
Improvements were made to the Laptop Holster, allowing commuters to carry up to a 16” laptop securely. to keep your laptop secure and protected from impacts. Includes a zippered pocket for small items. The holster suspends your laptop within the pannier, creating a protective gap at the bottom. If dropped, the bag absorbs the impact, preventing your laptop from being damaged.
Available for $30.
The second optional item is a Carry Strap for off-the-bike convenience. It has a comfortable shoulder strap and seamless foam padding that won’t dig into your shoulder. Fully adjustable and reversible – wear it either way. The strap stays tidy when shortened and won’t flap around. There’s a heavy-duty G-hook clip for secure attachment.
Available for $30.
For added visibility, a Cat-Eye brand clip-on rear light is a great accessory to add to the pannier. It clips directly onto pannier straps or bags and has six lighting modes with a 35-lumen COB LED. The light is USB-rechargeable and features a low-battery indicator. Available for $45.
Tailfin’s new Journey Rack
This week, Tailfin launched its new Journey Rack, the company’s most versatile pannier rack to date and the successor to the Alloy Rack. The Journey Rack is a modular rear rack system that combines Tailfin’s patented quick-release technology with cargo-carrying utility and durability. It is available in two versions: with pannier mounts ($260) and without ($205), i.e., fully featured or minimal. Both versions include an axle.
Designed to work with a full range of bikes, including full-suspension MTBs. The rack can be installed or removed in seconds, folds flat for storage or travel, and supports panniers, top bags, cargo cages, or almost anything that can be strapped down.
Tailfin sent me a Journey Rack to test, so watch for a review soon. In the meantime, check out the launch video here.
Bottom Line
Tailfin is a company that is constantly improving and evolving its product offering. I continue to be impressed by the quality of their gear and trust it to be dependable for all my bikepacking adventures, gravel touring, and running errands. The release of the new 22L pannier offers excellent durability while remaining lightweight.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I’d ;like to see a good comparison of high quality panniers. Obviously Ortlieb has been a high standard for a long time. Arkel has many well-made bags. I’m very happy with my Vaude panniers. Sherri likes these Tailfin. Anyone done the comparing?